Japanese gaming giant Gree continues to diversify with launch of new babysitting app

Ahead of announcing its latest quarterly results later today, Gree (TYO:3632 surprised the gaming and childcare industries by unveiling Smartsitter, a babysitter matching service for Japan. It promises to act as a one-stop-shop for finding a reliable sitter, arranging the appointment, and handling the payment.

Babysitting is a tricky business in Japan. Childcare is typically left to new mothers with some assistance from other family members. As chronicled by Goldman Sachs’ chief Japan equity strategist Kathy Matsui in her seminal study on women in the workplace (PDF file), the rarity of babysitting creates a difficult situation for new mothers who do not want to give up their working careers. Furthermore, the office of Prime Minister Abe’s released a white paper in June stating that there are roughly 600,000 certified childcare providers in Japan who are being underutilized.

It’s hard to argue that the need for this service does not exist, but it is more questionable why Gree decided to join the party. The gaming firm, which rose to prominence on the back of mobile games like Final Fantasy Artnicks and Monster Hunter, has struggled recently to find another hit. With decreasing revenues, it has been forced to implement layoffs and and office closures.

Smartsitter is Gree’s latest and riskiest diversification play to date. Platinum Factory and Tonight can gain user trust only by supplying plentiful and accurate information. Smartsitter needs to perform a much harder trick – convincing a skeptical market that it is better to trust their kids with certified strangers over family.